Sunday, January 17, 2016


               International Christian Hospice Newsletter

                                                                    January 2016

 

 

We serve a God of new beginnings!  “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.  Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin anew each morning.”  Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT 

Please join us as we find hope and comfort afresh in these words to begin this New Year!  

 

2015    Our Journey

Thank you to so many of you who were praying for us in our personal Hospice journey.  The past 3 years have been a season of “caregiving”, health changes and loss for us.  There has been much joy and fulfillment even amid the difficult family responsibilities with which we were entrusted.   In 2013 we were honored to be caregivers together for Ron’s mother in our home until her death in September 2014.  That same month Susan’s brother Bo, was diagnosed with cancer and we began that journey with him.   With Ron’s willing support, Susan was able to care for him in his home through many months of chemo and radiation.  God blessed in this time by strengthening family relationships with Bo’s three adult sons who also live in Albuquerque.  As he began to decline and no further treatment was recommended Hospice of New Mexico joined his caregiving team.  On the morning of October 31 Susan was present with him in his home at his passing.  We once again experienced God’s comforting presence even through the deep sadness and grief.  God gave both of us the gift of being able to share words of comfort, supporting each other and the entire family as Ron officiated in Bo’s memorial service. 

 

In December of 2014 Ron’s brother Frank who lives in Florida was also diagnosed with cancer.  Ron and his sister Arleen made several trips over the next few months to be with Frank.  Praise God that he had successful surgery and now, a year later, is cancer free!

 

During our time “out west” in November we also traveled to California and enjoyed a visit with our son Chad and his family.  Can you see our buttons popping off?  We are so proud of Chad’s successful Navy career! *** Then we completed our 5,000 mile road trip as we drove home to S.C. in time for Thanksgiving.   Our “east coast” family gathered at our home for a traditional Thanksgiving weekend.  What fun we had with the five grands, 8 years down to 2 years old.   Our daughter Michelle has since announced that next year there will be another grandbaby in the photo!  How blessed we are!   ***

 

And one other praise!  Since 2013 Ron has had an ongoing health issue and the VAMC MD suspected that he has a liver problem.  After two years and multiple tests the liver involvement has been ruled out and his issue is under control with diet and medication!  

 

“I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:24

 

Ministry Highlights

 

In 2015 the translation of our ICH Training Manual is now complete in Pakistani Urdo!  We have already heard testimonies from people who have been impacted through ICH in Pk.  Thank you to the Din family and their team who God brought together to produce and proof this edition for printing.  ***

 

Also in 2015 ICH became a member of the South Carolina Christian Chamber of Commerce.  Ron has attended meetings with our ICH Team Co-ordinator Chuck McCurry and we are anticipating future networking with other Christian organizations. 

 

In December 2015 Pastor Francisco Ilias, the ICH Central American Director, arrived in S.C. for a time of ministry with us.  We enjoyed his encouragement and the blessing of his preaching in Pastor Ken Freeman’s church near Columbia. *** What fun to surprise Francisco with a birthday party since he was far from his own family.  ***12 former ICH team members, who have traveled with us to work with him in Honduras, gathered at our home for fellowship.   The next day we drove Francisco to Raleigh, N.C. for another preaching engagement at Iglesia Palabra de Vida.  We couldn’t help but feel the tug on our hearts for the Latino people with whom we have grown to love in our 12 years of ICH ministry! ***  

The timing was perfect to reunite him with Chris and Rachel Embler, Susan’s cousins.  *** In 2007, while we had a team working with Francisco in Honduras, Chris and Rachel came through on their “Walk of Faith” on their way to Peru. (see www.ourwalkoffaith.blogspot.com for their amazing story)  They also returned to work with him twice with teams of youth.  Recently God has lead Chris and Rachel, now with four children, to work with “Gain” ministry which offers respite and encouragement to people who are in full-time Christian service.  They help to operate a retreat center on Okracoke Island, N.C. which offers family accommodations, times of outdoor activities as well as prayer and evening devotions.   (see GAIN on Facebook) 

 

Ahead in 2016

 

Please pray with us:

 

·        for  LaVerne Busbee who has been serving with ICH in South Africa.  She is currently in the U.S. to raise funds and is considering moving her work to India. 

 

·        for  Mike and Maria Saeli who have been serving with ICH in Nicaragua.  They are currently in the U.S. due to health concerns and are anticipating returning to Central America on short-term trips. 

 

·        about additional translation work into Urdo.  Children’s book, and Grief book.

 

·        about opening a dialogue with missionaries to China who have an interest in ICH

 

·        about possible ministry travel this year.  Central America, Mexico and Pakistan

 

·        Financial support for ongoing ICH work around the world

 

·        Staffing and team members

 

Thank you again for the blessing of your friendship and interest in International Christian Hospice.  Please consider what you can do to serve with us in this New Year 2016!  

 

God’s richest blessings,

 

Ron and Susan

 

Ron and Susan Naish, Directors            

803-781-0656


Web site    www.ichospice.org

 

Tax exempt donations received at       ICH  c/o Banis     103 Madison Hts. Dr.    Marshall, N.C. 28753